Live in California with a canine companion, or putting together a list of pet-friendly things to do for your Oakland pet sitter?
Look no further, fellow pet lover. Whether you’re house sitting in Oakland or you’ve got a four-pawed pal of your own at home, follow our full-proof guide to dog-friendly Oakland.
Scroll and you’ll find a pup-approved list of the dog-friendly restaurants Oakland boasts, along with popular brunch spots and fun places to walk your dog in and around the city.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Oakland
Want to know where the dog-friendly places to eat in Oakland are? Not to worry, fellow pet lover. Whether you’re taking a pooch of your own or you’re house sitting in Oakland, always check restaurant rules before turning up with your furry pal, and keep your pup on a leash while dining.
The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill
For jaw-dropping views of Lake Merritt, a dog-friendly patio and seafood classics, head to The Lake Chalet for a relaxed afternoon with your furry best pal.
Location: 1520 Lakeside Dr, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
Drake's Dealership
Drake's Dealership is one of the city’s most popular beer gardens and dog-friendly restaurants Oakland has to offer. Pop along for craft beer and a pizza.
Location: 2325 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
The Alley
Piano bar-come restaurant, The Alley Oakland is the perfect place to get a taste of the local culture with your furry best pal for company.
Location: 3325 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
Bar César
If you’re looking for the dog-friendly restaurants, Oakland CA has to offer that serves up Mexican staples, look no further than Bar César’s dog-friendly patio.
Location: 4039 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611, United States
Grand Lake Kitchen
Got a taste for locally-sourced produce, and want to try the best of Oakland? Head to Grand Lake Kitchen for dinner - perfect if you’re looking for dog-friendly restaurants near Lake Merritt.
Location: 576 Grand Ave, Oakland, CA 94610, United States
Homeroom
Calling all cheese enthusiasts! Homeroom specializes in mac and cheese, so why not head there for a casual lunch in the outdoor patio area? Remember to ask for a dog bowl!
Location: 400 40th St, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
Cholita Linda
Got a taste for Latin American food, or want to try a classic Cuban sandwich? Head to Cholita Linda’s dog-friendly outdoor seating area (that’s complete with heat lamps!).
Location: 4923 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack
Love the vibe of a beer garden, but need somewhere to grab a bite to eat that’s also dog-friendly? Head to Arthur Mac’s Tap & Snack for great brews, pizza and wings.
Location:4006 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
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Lake Merritt, Oakland
Coffee shops and dog-friendly brunch in Oakland
After somewhere to grab a coffee with your furry pal? Explore our list of places to get dog-friendly brunch in Oakland, and remember to always ask before strolling in with your canine pal in tow.
Xochi the Dog Cafe
Grab a coffee or choose from the cafe’s delicious brunch menu, and relax with your furry pal after your morning walk.
Location: 1038 E 21st St, Oakland, CA 94606, United States
Paradise Park Cafe
Peruse the dog-friendly garden centre and stop for a coffee at Paradise Park Cafe, where well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Location: 6334 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608, United States
Timeless Coffee
Check out Timeless Coffee for a cozy vibe and delicious baked treats with your canine pal for company.
Location: 4252 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA 94611, United States
Bicycle Coffee
Pop along for widely-known sustainable coffee choices, and look out for the box of dog treats!
Location: 377 2nd St #110, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
Dog friendly bars Oakland
Want to grab a cold one in the sun with your canine companion? Find a list of dog-friendly bars in Oakland below, and remember to ask before entering any bar (or restaurant) with your dog.
- Beer Revolution. 2421 Telegraph Ave #102, Oakland, CA 94612, United States
- Plank. 98 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607, United States (a one-minute walk from Jack London Square)
- Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon. Jack London Square, 48 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Tiger's Taproom. 308 Jackson St #4, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Mad Oak Bar 'N' Yard. 135 12th St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
- Wolfhound Bar. 5516 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, CA 94608, United States
Things to do and places to walk your dog in Oakland
Aside from eating, sipping on coffee and sampling local craft beers with your furry friends, it’s worth getting clued-up on dog-friendly activities and places to walk in and around the city. Start with our list below when planning your pet-friendly day out in Oakland.
Pet Club Emeryville
Pet Club in Oakland’s Emeryville, East Bay isn’t just any pet supply store - indoors find grooming and self-wash stations to give your pooch a pampering.
Location: 3535 Hollis St, Oakland, CA 94608, United States
Explore Jack London Square
Want somewhere with a buzzy atmosphere to walk your furry pal once it gets dark? Head to Jack London Square Marina for twinkly city lights, views of the lake and a great choice of Oakland’s dog-friendly restaurants and bars.
Location: 472 Water St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States
Lake Merritt
If you’re house sitting in Oakland, you might have heard of Lake Merritt a time or two! Head to the path that surrounds the water for a seriously scenic morning walk or jog with your canine companion.
Location: Oakland, CA, United States
Joaquin Miller Park
Take a break from the city’s hustle and bustle to Joaquin Miller Park, where leashed dogs are allowed to accompany their humans. If you’d like to let your dog off the leash, head to one of the area’s two dedicated dog parks.
Location: 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd, Oakland, CA 94602, United States
Redwood Regional Park
Another popular place for dog-friendly hiking in Oakland is Redwood Regional Park, where there are multiple off-leash trails - check the signage as some trails require dogs to be kept on a leash.
Location: Oakland, CA, United States
Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Get into nature with your furry pal in the park’s whopping 290 acres, popular with hikers, cyclists and dog walkers.
Location: Campus Drive and Keller Ave, Leona Trail, Oakland, CA 94605, United States
Temescal Regional Recreation Area
You might have realised by now that Oakland is surrounded by great places to take a dog-friendly hike. At Temescal Regional Recreation Area, keep your dog on a leash and away from the lake, stream and beach area to make sure you’re sticking by local rules.
Location: 6500 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618, United States
Dog parks in Oakland
One of the best things to do with a pooch is to let them run free at your local dog park. Areas specifically designed for dogs means they’re often a safer place to let our canine pals run off some energy alongside other pets. Find a few of the dog parks Oakland, CA has to offer below.
- Joaquin Miller Dog Park. 3590 Sanborn Dr, Oakland, CA 94602, United States
- South Prescott Dog Park. Oakland, CA 94615, United States
- Grove Shafter Park.Martin Luther King Jr Way & 36th Street, Oakland, CA 94609, United States
Lake Merritt, Oakland
Tips for pet parents
To keep your pooch happy in the city while you’re both at home and away, follow our tips below.
- Always check local business rules. The rules around furry guests can change at any time - business owners change, and so can local restrictions, so it’s always worth double checking before booking.
- Check out a dog park or two. Dog parks are the perfect place to let your furry pal run free and socialize with other dogs - find your local park for a full-proof walking spot.
- Plan ahead for your vacation. Now that you’re in the know on where you can take your canine pal for a day out in the city, why not get ahead and plan your pet care for your next vacation? As vets agree pets are more content at home, it’s worth considering an in-home, verified pet sitter to look after your canine pal. Click below to find out more.
How to connect with pet sitters in Oakland
Tips for pet sitters
Want to explore dog-friendly Oakland with new furry pals for company? Follow our tips below on making your house sitting adventure a fantastic one.
- Double check dos and don’ts with pet parents. Nothing beats exploring a new city with a canine companion by your side, but be sure to check with dog owners that their furry family members are okay with busy spaces or new parts of town that you plan on checking out.
- Explore local dog parks. Head to a nearby dog park - they’re often fully fenced and so can be a safer place to let dogs off the leash, if pet parents permit.
- Explore Oakland through house sitting. So, want to get to know the city with a four-pawed pal by your side? Exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay by house sitting in Oakland - click below to find out more.
How to find house sits in Oakland
